The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-31


ton. advanced to the steps of the terrace. Thel
he lifted his head, and, speaking with mucl
emotion, said
SIN the name of the old slaves Of Candles
Bay, who are now free, thank you. Mr. Bur
bank. for having let US hear the first words G
freedom ever spoken IN the State of Florida"
As he spoke the old negro slowly mounted the
steps, and kissed James Burbanks hands; ant
then as little by stretched out her arms to him
he lifted her up and held her out to his com
rades.
Murray! Murray fol Mr.. Burbank
The joyous shouts again rent the air. loud
enough to carry to Jacksonville, on the other
bank of the St. Johns, the news of the grea.
deed that had been done
The family were deeply moved. In vain did
they try to quiet these shouts of enthusiasm
1t was Zermah who succeeded in procuring 81.
lence as she advanced to the edge of the terrace
to speak.
MY friends" said she, ''we are now free;
thanks to the generosity, to the humanity of
him who was our master, the beat CT mastersp
Eyes! yesl" shouted hundreds of voices in one
great shout of gratitude.
I'VE can now 60 where please We can, If
we like, avail ourselves of our liberty to leave
the plantation. AS for me. will follow the in
stnct of my heart; and l am that most OF
you will do as do. For six years 1 have lived
at Candies Bay. My husband and have lived
here, and we wish to die here. I ask Mr.. Bur-
bank to keep US. now we are free, he kept US
when we were slaves Those who wish him to
do so
Gan. all!H
And the words repeated thousand times
showed how much the master of Candles Bay
was appreciated, and proved the bond of
friendship and gratitude that united ali the
estate.
James Burbank then spok1 He told all
those who wished to remain the plantation
that they might do so under rev conditions; all
that was to be done was to agree what price
should be paid for their labor. 1t was necessary
that the matter should be finished in due form,
and consequently each of the negroes would
now receive certificate of liberation.
To issue these the duty of the assistant
overseers. Ever since Mr.. Burbank had decided
to free his slaves ne had had these papers pre-
pared, and as negro after negro came up to re-
ceive them, most affecting were tn demonstra-
tions of gratitude.
The end of the day devoted to rejoicing
In the morning the blacks would return to their
ordinary work, but day must be given over to
festivity. The Burbanks, as they walked among
the crowd, were greeted with tokens of the sim
cerest friendship and assurances OF boundless de-
votion
But among the crowd Overseer Perry moved
like a lost soul.
well, Perry" asked Mr.. Burbank, "what say
you7"
II say, Mr.. James, that although they are free,
these Africans none the less Africans and
have not changed their color. They were born
black and they will die black"
But they will live white" said Burbank with
a SMILE land that is everything"
That evening thedinner at Castle House was
a happy one; and more confidence was felt to
the future. In few days the security of Florida
would be completely assured. No bad news had
come from Jacksonville 1t was possible that
James Burbank's conduct before the magistrates
had had q favorable impression on the majority
Of the inha btants
One of the company at dinner was Mr.. Over
seer Perry, who had been obliged to help in
what he could not hinder. He sat down OPP
posite the old negro who had been invited by Mr..
Burbank, in order to show that the freedom
given him was not an empty declaration. Out
side were heard the sounds of the holiday max
ing; and the park was illuminated by the rehec-
ton of the boufires lighted in different parts of
the plantation. In the middle of dinner depu-
tation arrived with magnificent bouquet for
the little GIRL the finest certainly, that Miss
Dy Burbank. of Castle House," had
ceived.
When all had gone, the family went back into
the hall. to stay there till bedtime 1t secAfed
If day we'll begun could not out end as we'll
About o'clock the plantation was quiet. 1t
seemed though nothing would occur TO
trouble it. when a voice was heard without.
James Burbank and went to the front
1oor.
In front of the terrace few men were stand
ing and talking In a loud tone.
what is the matter :" asked James Burbank.
s'Mr Burbank" said one of the overseers, "a
boat has just run alongside the pier"
''Where from!"
''Tne left bank"
''W no is on boards"
"a messenger sent to you from the Jackson
Filie magistrates"
''And what does he want?"
''He has letter for you. Shall let him
andp
s'Yesp
Mrs Burbank came to her husbands side,
Alice stepped up to one of the windows, while
Stannard and Carol walked to the door Ter
nah, taking little by by the hand. stood up
All felt that some serious incident was at hand.
The overseer went back to the landing place.
Ten minutes afterwards he returned with the
whom the boat had brought from
He was in the uniform of the county militia.
lie was introduced into the hail. and asked for
Mr. Burbank.
II am James Burbank. What is your bust
ness"
ITO hand you this letter"
The messenger held out large envelope
which bore the seal of the court.
Burbank broke the SEAL and read
'By order of the authorities newly constitu-
ed at Jacksonville, every slave set free without
he permission of the Confederate Government
Will be Immediately expelled the territory
1.-THE expulsion to take place within the fol-
owing forty eight hours; and in case of refusal,
orce will re used" TExAR
Done at Jacksonville, 2sth February, 1s62p
lad been placed by his partisans in charge of
he town.
what answer shall take back?p asked the
Messenger.
..None" said James Burbank.
The messenger retired and was escorted back
o the boat, which put off towards the other side
f the stream
And so, at the Spaniard's orders, the old |
laves Of the plantation were to be dispersed
Although they were free men, they were no
onger free to live in Florida Candies Bay |
vas to be deprived of all the men whom he |
ad reckoned TO defend the plan tation.
Free those conditions2" said Zermah |
Never! Irefuse such freedom! And if I can |
ot remain near you / would rather be a slave" |
And taking her certificate of freedom in her |
ands, Zermah tore it across, and fell at James |
surbanks feet.
CHAPTER VIII.
WAITING /
Such were the first consequences of the GEN |
rous action of freeing his slaves before the fed
rails were masters of the territory.
TNay or,4 hfCv .orfic il,